Things to do in Istanbul

Istanbul rewards more than monument-ticking. Between the mosques and palaces, leave time for the water, the food and the everyday rhythms that make the city addictive.

1. 1

   Cruise the Bosphorus

   Ride a ferry or join a cruise up the strait that splits Europe from Asia, past Ottoman palaces, waterside mansions and old fortresses. The cheap public ferries are as scenic as any tour.

2. 2

   Lose an afternoon in the bazaars

   Haggle through the Grand Bazaar's thousands of shops, then follow the scent to the Spice Bazaar for lokum, tea and dried fruit. Getting lost is the point.

3. 3

   Sweat it out in a historic hammam

   Steam, scrub and soak in a centuries-old Turkish bath, some housed in Ottoman buildings by the architect Sinan. An institution, and a fine antidote to sore sightseeing feet.

4. 4

   Eat across on the Asian side

   Take the ferry to Kadıköy and graze its market, meyhanes and street stalls, where Istanbul eats away from the crowds. Many food tours base themselves here for good reason.

5. 5

   Catch the sunset from a rooftop

   Climb Galata Tower or settle onto a Beyoğlu terrace as the call to prayer rolls across the skyline. The old city's domes and minarets are at their best at dusk.

6. 6

   Escape to the Princes' Islands

   Hop a ferry to the car-free islands in the Sea of Marmara for pine woods, faded mansions and seafood lunches. A breezy half-day away from the city.

In-depth Istanbul guides

• The Best Things to Do in Istanbul
  The mosques, palaces, bazaars and Bosphorus trips worth your time in Istanbul — how to spend three or four days across the city's European and Asian sides.